Nissan Pathfinder Years To Avoid (and The Best Years)

Last updated on July 19th, 2024 at 07:47 am

The Nissan Pathfinder is an example of a multi-function car. Since 1986, Nissan Motors of Japan has been producing it. The Nissan Pathfinder was first introduced as a subcompact SUV before being subsequently enlarged. The original model was based on the chassis of a compact pickup truck, but it has been revised four times to reach its current state of refinement in the fifth generation.

In case you didn’t know, Pathfinder goes by Terrano in regions outside of North America. For many years, SUV enthusiasts have loved this vehicle because it’s practical, comfortable, and great for off-roading.

In general, people really enjoy and trust the Nissan Pathfinder. Some car models are better than others regarding performance, dependability, and safety. It’s important to keep in mind that not all model years are the same. Hence, in this blog I will cover the best and worst years Nissan Pathfinder.

13 Best & Worst Nissan Pathfinder Years

When talking about mid-size SUVs that have been successful over time, it wouldn’t be fair to leave out the Nissan Pathfinder. The Pathfinder is a great vehicle that you can always count on. As mentioned, it’s been around for five generations and has proven to be a solid and sturdy ride.

It has had its fair share of great years, but it has also experienced some really tough times.

Hey there! If you’re thinking about buying a Nissan Pathfinder, I’ve got some helpful info for you. I’ll be looking at the different model years and sharing the best and worst years Nissan Pathfinder so that you can make an informed decision. Let’s get started!

#7 Best Years For Nissan Pathfinder

In general, the Nissan Pathfinder is a dependable SUV. Some car models have performed exceptionally well regarding reliability, quality, and performance.

Here are some of the best years for Nissan Pathfinder of production that have performed well. When we think about how long a Nissan Pathfinder can last in terms of mileage and years, these models come to mind.

YEAR	Edmunds’ Consumer Rating	Kelley Blue Book’s Consumer Rating	JD Power’s Consumer Rating
2022	4.1/5.0	4.2/5.0	80/100
2020	4.0/5.0	4.0/5.0	81/100
2019	4.0/5.0	4.0/5.0	76/100
2018	4.1/5.0	4.0/5.0	78/100
2016	3.9/5.0	4.0/5.0	80/100
2012	4.4/5.0	4.2/5.0	82/100
2011	4.4/5.0	4.2/5.0	78/100

2022

I would suggest the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder if you are interested in purchasing a vehicle from the fifth generation.

The 2022 model, which came out in 2021, has an awe-inspiring design that received many compliments. The new version didn’t rank as high as the previous one because some folks might find the engine sluggish.

Wow, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has some impressive upgrades! If you’re looking for a vehicle that will last a long time and has great features like improved fuel efficiency and a new interior, this is a great option for you. The SUV is comfortable to ride in.

 The seats are comfortable so that nobody will feel any discomfort.

If you’re looking for a car that will last you a long time, you’ll really like the new and improved interior and better gas mileage. The SUV is really comfortable. The 2022 Pathfinder has received a good overall rating of 80/100 from J.D. Power.

2020

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is the best and most popular SUV won in this category. Even though this particular Pathfinder model is from the previous generation, it’s still considered the best one so far.

The best years for Nissan Pathfinder engine under the hood is perfect and performs excellently. In addition, it gives the vehicle an impressive ability to tow.

The SUV’s driving experience is really great compared to other vehicles in its class. I really like the suspension. It does a good job of absorbing bumps on the road.

The seats are designed to be so comfortable that you won’t feel the urge to take a break, even during long drives. The smaller wheel version of the SUV performs just as well. This one is a great choice and it’s hard to make a mistake with it.

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2019

Coming in at number three is another SUV model that belongs to the fourth generation.

The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder is a popular choice among car buyers because it has a strong engine and can tow heavy loads with ease. It got the third position because some people might find the suspension too stiff.

With its 3.5L V6 engine and cozy interior, this vehicle offers a smooth ride that surpasses many of its competitors. The cargo space is pretty spacious, so it’s unlikely that most people will face any issues fitting their stuff in it.

The 2019 Pathfinder is now equipped with a Bose audio system and a 360-degree camera array, making driving both enjoyable and secure.

2018

The model that came out before the 2019 model year is the one that will be launched next. Consider the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder if you need a reasonably priced sport utility vehicle. For individuals who can’t afford a brand-new car, this is a fantastic option.

The 2018 model year is a wonderful option if you’re looking for an inexpensive SUV. It’s ideal for individuals who are watching their budget closely and don’t have the cash to drop on a brand-new car. Nissan’s 2018 Pathfinder SUV has been quite popular with buyers due to the extensive standard equipment across all trim levels. Automatic emergency braking is one of the characteristics that even the most basic model includes.

The best generation of the Nissan Pathfinder is an automotive enthusiast’s dream, with a potent V6 engine and an amazing towing capacity. 

2016

The Nissan Pathfinder from 2016 belongs to the third generation, which is quite old.

Even though it doesn’t have the same fierce appearance as newer models, it’s clear that this six-year-old car is a fantastic option for those who want to save some money. The SUV model is a little older, so it doesn’t have all the safety features that the newer models have.

Driving the Nissan Pathfinder reliability by year is an incredible experience. For most tasks, the V6 engine packs enough power. The suspension system is well-adjusted, so you can anticipate a smooth and steady ride.

The inside of the car is made with really nice materials that make it look and feel fancy.

2012

Check out the Pathfinder from the 2012 model year if you want an older model. The SUV has been around for 20 years, but it hasn’t stopped people from buying it. 

Fun times are guaranteed behind the wheel of this SUV. Powerful and comfortable, thanks to the VG33’s 3.3L V6 engines and top-notch suspension. The V8 version is another viable alternative.

J.D. Power gave the Nissan Pathfinder a remarkable 82 out of 100 for quality and dependability across all model years.

2011

Nissan designed the 2011 Pathfinder to be both practical and high-performing.

The vehicle’s base V6 engine generates 266 hp, which is quite a feat for a vehicle in its class. The optional V8 engine is even more potent, cranking out 310 horsepower.

The 2011 Pathfinder is an efficient SUV compared to other SUVs, and it also has some pretty strong engine options.

The Nissan Pathfinder reliability by year has been given average scores on different platforms because it’s not as fancy or sporty as some of its competitors.

According to J.D. Power, the quality and reliability of this product received an average score of 78 out of 100. However, it did better regarding resale value, receiving a score of 80 out of 100 on the same platform.

The 2011 Pathfinder is a reliable vehicle, as there have been very few complaints reported about it.

#6 Nissan Pathfinder Years To Avoid

Even though Nissan has made strides in improving the quality of their vehicles, there are still certain Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid and that you might want to steer clear of. 

2014

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder had some similar problems. You would think that the manufacturer would have fixed the major issues, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case with this model.

When the transmission system is not working correctly, you may feel vibrations and hear stutters. Sometimes it would slip, which can be quite dangerous. This model received a lower ranking than the 2013 version due to the resolution of specific engine issues.

They didn’t even fix the problem with the door handle in 2014. Some people who own this model have mentioned that the GPS is outdated and doesn’t display new routes. The Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid were still around, but they didn’t happen as often as before.

2013

As someone mentioned earlier, the newer versions of the Pathfinder also faced some problems. For instance, let’s consider the model from 2013.

A lot of owners were really frustrated with this one because it had so many problems. There were issues with the transmission, engine, and some of the features that caused problems.

Driving this vehicle would be difficult because the transmission system causes jerking. There are times when it just doesn’t work. If the engine goes into limp mode, you won’t be able to accelerate. Sometimes it would turn off unexpectedly.

The door handles used to break quite often. The material used for the seat wasn’t of good quality and would wear out quickly.

2008

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder has secured the sixth and final place. Even though this model is not the newest, it is still dependable when compared to other models mentioned in the list. There are still some problems with it, and the most commonly reported ones are related to the transmission.

The owners expressed their concern that the system was causing a lot of vibration. Some people mentioned that the transmission completely stopped working, and it’s really costly to get it replaced.

This SUV is not the best option even though it performs better than other models. The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder also had problems with its engine.

This Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid also had the same timing chain problem as the 2005 and other models, but it wasn’t reported as often.

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2007

The 2007 model year didn’t do much to redeem the brand’s dismal reputation, which had been created by its predecessors. Given their history of missteps, Nissan should have fixed the Pathfinder’s problems before releasing the third generation. But they didn’t do it.

Over a thousand complaints have been filed about the 2007 model, according to Car Complaints. The list is dominated by transmission & engine issues. The electrical system, the air conditioning or heating system, or both could potentially malfunction.

2006

The 2006 Nissan Pathfinder was supposed to address the problems of the previous model, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to expectations.

Unfortunately, we were unable to fix the problem with the leaking coolant. Sometimes the transmission would slip as well. Owning this model was a nightmare because it had problems with the transmission, engines, and fuel system that were all similar.

One of the problems with the engine was that the timing chain tended to wear out faster than it normally would. Sometimes, the car would unexpectedly lose power and halt while driving.

Sometimes, the fuel sensor may not work properly, and this can cause the readings to be incorrect. Other users have mentioned that the miles per gallon (mpg) would decrease unexpectedly without any apparent cause.

2005

Despite only having four minor recall concerns, the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder has received a large number of complaints and is ranked as one of the “worst years” by the NHTSA and Car Complaints. Overload from negative feedback is primarily experienced at the transmission.

After that point, individuals typically report two major issues: engine troubles and fuel system issues. Transmission issues have been cited by a significant number of Pathfinder owners. Over four hundred people have reported this problem. 

Specifically, a radiator issue may arise in Pathfinders manufactured between 2005 and 2007. Around the 90,000-mile mark, a transmission failure due to a coolant leak is possible.

The estimated cost of repairs could rise to $3,500. In addition, Nissan issued four recalls for the 2005 Pathfinder. The crash zone sensor was the source of the most serious problem.

What are some issues that people often experience with the Nissan Pathfinder?

Now that we’ve covered all the models, I think it’s important to focus on the most common issues that Nissan Pathfinder users have encountered over the years. So, I’ve dedicated a section of this article to just that.

I suggest you read this article section thoroughly because the information provided is very important regarding Nissan Pathfinder problems.

Sun Visor Falls Down

Have you ever experienced your car’s sun visor falling unexpectedly while driving? It can be quite frustrating and distracting, especially when you’re trying to block out the sun’s glare.

Many people get frustrated while driving due to a minor issue. People who own older Nissan Pathfinders have reported that the sun visor sometimes falls unexpectedly.

The ride would feel bumpy when going over bumps and turning the vehicle. Since these situations occur frequently, users must repeatedly lift up their visors.

Nissan chose to use inexpensive plastic for the clips, which unfortunately tend to break easily. When it’s broken, the visor won’t stay in one position. Surprisingly, a visor assembly costs about $125, which is considered unusually expensive. There’s no other way to solve the problem.

Problems with automated emergency brakes 

I think the emergency braking system that comes with the Nissan Pathfinder is really awesome. Sometimes, humans can’t react quickly enough to prevent an accident from happening. That’s why automated systems can be beneficial in stopping serious accidents from occurring.

It’s cool that the newer models come with this feature included in all the different trim options. Sometimes, the system can turn on unexpectedly without any apparent cause.

Most people using the vehicle have said that the AEB sensors can be tricked easily. If you suddenly stop your vehicle, there is a risk of causing an accident if there is another vehicle behind you. In 2016 and 2017, Nissan released a service bulletin to address the issue.

Transmission Issues

In third place, we have another Nissan Pathfinder problems that has caused users to spend a significant amount of money on repairs.

Some older models of the Pathfinder had a transmission system that was not very dependable. Sometimes, they didn’t work properly, so the car couldn’t be driven.

You might have heard about the problem with strawberry milkshakes. Some people have reported issues with certain models of SUVs where the coolant mixes with the transmission fluid. So, basically, what happened was that the end product was a liquid that looked a lot like a strawberry milkshake, which is why it got its name.

Usually, when vehicles have traveled for 100000 miles, this problem tends to arise. The option to purchase an extended warranty was available, but unfortunately, it has now expired.

Electrical Problems

The Pathfinder has a lot of electrical parts, and some of them are known to have problems. One of the parts that can cause sudden engine stalling while driving is the alternator, which is notorious for failing.

Are Nissan Pathfinders Reliable?

The Nissan Pathfinder has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, which means it’s ranked 17th out of 26 midsize SUVs in terms of reliability. So basically, the Pathfinder is pretty reliable overall, but there are certain years that you might want to steer clear of.

FAQs

Conclusion

Just like with any other vehicle out there, the Nissan Pathfinder has both its own set of problems and exciting new features. This article provides information on the Nissan Pathfinder, including the years that are considered the best and worst, as well as common issues that owners may experience. It also includes expert reviews to help you make an informed decision.

We’re here to assist you in selecting the perfect model year for your new or used Nissan Pathfinder purchase. Our guide is designed to make the process easier for you.